On April 26, Erhu Master GUO Gan presented the Guo Gan and His Friends International Concert, a world-class musical feast featuring an ensemble of nine renowned musicians from France, Belgium, Mongolia, Switzerland, and Tunisia.
While honoring the roots of Chinese heritage, Guo Gan bridged East and West, and tradition and modernity, as his erhu conversed seamlessly with an array of instruments, including the piano, violin, guitar, bass, bandoneon (button concertina), saz (long-necked lute), and morin khuur (horse-head fiddle).
All Rivers Run into the Sea
Appointed Adjunct Professor, Visiting Professor, and Artist-in-Residence in the School of Humanities and Social Science in 2025, Master Guo Gan returned to campus this year with a bold new vision.
“While preserving the classics is vital, multicultural fusion is the true calling of the 21st century,” he said.
Drawing on his philosophy that “all rivers run into the sea,” Guo Gan showcased the erhu’s incredible capacity to embrace diverse musical styles and to reshape traditional melodies into a modern, engaging global sound.
“The erhu itself is inclusive and tonally rich, making it perhaps the most collaborative instrument in Chinese folk music,” Master Guo noted. This adaptability was on full display as he performed a repertoire of his original compositions, blending an array of musical styles, from Chinese, jazz, and classical to Turkish, Arabic, Mongolian, and tango traditions.
A Symphony of Diversity and Creativity
Surrounded by a rich tapestry of colorful sound, the audience witnessed a rare musical dialogue and cultural collision. Guo Gan’s bow channelled a melodious and powerful charm that captured the unique spirit of Chinese folk music.
The musicians performed with unparalleled virtuosity as their instruments intertwined in a complex, spectacular soundscape. The surging beats and vibrant melodies transported the audience into a world of artistic imagery. It was a world-class musical feast in which Master Guo embedded traditional Chinese pentatonic scales within Western musical frameworks. This created a profound emotional resonance that transcended geography and unified a diverse community.
“The University serves as an ideal platform for exploring the frontier where traditional music meets technology, such as the electronic and laser-integrated music,” said Master Guo, reflecting on why he brought this fusion to a technology hub like HKUST.
Beyond the spectacle, Master Guo also noted music’s profound impact on the younger generation.
“Many students were shocked. They never imagined the erhu could sound like this!” he shared. “While HKUST is world-renowned for its scientific innovation, I believe that enhancing artistic literacy is essential for students’ holistic development.”
A Vision for the Future
Master Guo’s legendary journey, spanning his lifelong promotion of Chinese music on the global stage, ranges from studying a variety of instruments and performing as an orchestral musician to serving as a band leader and educator.
“Venture out into the world, showcase your brilliance, and find resonance through collaborations with diverse minds!” he said, encouraging young artists to see the infinite possibilities in their careers.
Expressing his deep gratitude to HKUST, Master Guo views the University as a starting point for bringing East-West artistic collaborations to Hong Kong. He envisions the campus as a stage for performers to shine and as a vital engine for launching innovative programs and driving the city’s broader creative landscape.
Looking ahead, HKUST will continue to build a premier platform for intercultural exchange initiatives and support Hong Kong’s evolving role as a global cultural hub through such visionary partnerships.
